Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 16-08-2023

The photo at left shows the deplorable state of the house which Sonia Thomas and her family occupied before she benefitted from the government’s core home project (Adrian Narine photos)

The new Indian-made North West ferry is expected to position Region One as a major trade hub These investments in river transport are set to vastly improve connection to riverine communities.

Guyana, Brazil could ‘shake up’ global oil market

- as traditional exporters face challenges, foreign analysts say

AS Guyana gears up to become one of the world’s massive oil exporters because of its rapid production, oil and gas analysts have said that the small South American country will soon be going “head-to-head” with its neighbour, Brazil, which is also a major oil exporter.

In a Platts Oil Markets podcast by S&P Global Commodity Insights, three analysts discussed the oil boom in Guyana, the nation’s possible future with fellow oil exporters and the pricing trends and flows for Guyana’s top crude grades.

According to oil analyst, Patrick Harrington: “…As Guyana's production ramps up, Guyana and Brazilian crude will be really head-to-head competition.”

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali had revealed in July that oil production at the Stabroek Block will reach some 1.2 million barrels of oil per day by the end of 2027 and according to foreign oil analysts, this puts Guy-

ana on the world stage.

Speaking on Guyana’s oil boom and how the discovery has brought much attraction to the small nation that was known for its agriculture and forestry, Harrington said: “All of a sudden, it's up to 400,000 barrels per day, and the projection is that by 2027, we're going to be at 1.2 million barrels per day of production. So, it's really kind of exploded onto the oil scene…”

Harrington said: “And we're also seeing kind of a shakeup or a reorientation of what we thought of as the crude landscape in Latin America, even though Guyana doesn't really think of itself as Latin America,” adding that Latin America traditional producers - Venezuela, Mexico, Colombia and Ecuador- are encountering difficulties.

With these traditional giants facing challenges, Harrington posited that Guyana, Argentina and Brazil are set to take the centre stage, as each country

is working on increasing its production.

Laura Huchzermeyer, manager of the Americas crude pricing team at Platts, which is part of S&P Global Commodity Insights, during the podcast, said if 10 years ago someone had said Guyana would have been in the big league, one might have called it impossible, but now the country has defied the odds and has become one of the world’s largest oil producers.

“It has been fascinating in the recent years to watch as Guyana has really taken off as a prolific oil-producing country,” she underscored, adding that Guyana’s newly-attained status took many by shock.

With all those advancements, Huchzermeyer said positively that development is definitely on Guyana’s horizons.

Starr Spencer, a member of the S&P Global Commodity Insights news team, said that Guyana has numerous remarkable

traits, which make it an appealing investment basin.

These include the government welcoming foreign investors and their eagerness to monetise its oil basin in order to give back to the citizens and create other “cottage” industries as well.

“We’ve got two field developments currently producing. A third is going to come on later this year, Payara, and a fourth will follow in I think it’s 2025, Yellowtail. Uaru is the 5th in 2026, and

Whiptail, which is sixth, it’s on the drawing board right now,” he said, adding that the development plan

is expected to be submitted to the Government of Guyana later this year.

Hosororo Health Post upgraded to health centre

THE Hosororo Health Post has been upgraded to a health centre through a $13.8 million investment which is ex-

pected to significantly enhance the delivery of health services in the Region One community.

Minister of Housing

and Water Collin Croal attended the recommissioning ceremony on Monday He was joined by Regional Chairman

Brentnol Ashley ; Regional Executive Officer (REO) Tikaram Bisesar, and Regional Health Officer ( RHO ) Dr . Steven

Cheefoon

During his address , Minister Croal emphasised that the upgrading of the health facility forms part of the broader agenda to ensure citizens are benefitting from enhanced healthcare services

“It is not just about the building ; it is about ensuring that when you turn up tomorrow, you will be getting a better level of service than what you were getting yesterday You will no longer have to flood the hospital for basic services; you have it right in your village,” he underscored

As part of the improvements , the health centre will now have a weekly doctor’s visit and a stationed dentist at the facility , among added features

The minister urged the residents to care the facility and provide support to the Community Health Workers who will be manning the centre

Minister Croal highlighted that the government is implementing an ambitious strategy to enhance healthcare facilities

throughout the region , ensuring their readiness to serve citizens

Notably , he said regional hospitals are being enhanced to reduce the need for individuals to travel to the central hospital in Georgetown for medical care

“When we talk about decentralisation of healthcare this is what we mean. We mean that hospitals right within your region must be equipped to provide services to you,” he emphasised

The upgrading of the health post forms part of the Regional Democratic Council ’ s 2023 programme

According to the Regional Chairman , this project exemplifies the region’s commitment, as well as the government’s dedication to delivering effective and efficient healthcare

This involves ensuring not only the availability of skilled personnel but also the appropriate infrastructure to support the range of services being provided.

(DPI)

The Hosororo Health Post has been upgraded to a health centre through a $13.8 million investment

Argentinean couple riding through South America impressed with Guyanese hospitality

ARGENTINEAN couple

Belen Francesena and Mateo Pinto are very impressed by the hospitality of the Guyanese people, as they ride through South America.

The pair recently shared their story with the Department of Public Information (DPI). Belen, 27, and Mateo, 31, are using bicycles to tour the South American continent and Guyana is the eighth country on the continent that they have passed through

Mateo initially began his travels with his dog , which he said inspired him to start the journey, but sadly the dog later died

The couple met while travelling through Argentina about two and a half years ago in the Andes

The duo entered Guyana through the border with Brazil and spent some time in the Rupununi touring various parts of the region with tour guide, Jonathan Joseph

They related that it was enjoyable touring the jungle

South America of Guyana, seeing different animals, including a macaw for the first time

“The experience is very good, see very, very good people, love the country is very small, but the people ’ s hearts are very big , beautiful, people beautiful,”

Mateo said

They related that the journey has been quite an adventure

“We try to go 70 kilometres per day In the afternoon, we search a place for

camp, or hammocks,” Belen related

In Guyana, they met a lot of helpful and generous people, especially along the way from the Rupununi , who offered them food and a place to sleep

They had a difficulty at Iwokrama, when Belen fell ill and could not make the ride to Georgetown. Instead, she was transported to the city by a good Samaritan

However, Mateo had to make the journey alone by

bicycle He recounted that this was the most difficult for him as he was without a phone or google maps With the help of strangers along the way, he made it safely to Georgetown He especially expresses gratitude to the police at Linden who offered him food, drinks and money, and ensured he was alright. Overall , it took him 11 days from Rupununi to Georgetown Once in Region Four, they settled at an

acquaintance they met while in Lethem

“We miss our family He has one sister, two brothers and a mother They write me for him I have a mother , father , seven brothers and sisters that I miss too,” Belen shared

The pair also made some stops in various parts of Georgetown

After leaving Guyana, the couple will head east to Suriname, French Guiana, Brazil , Uruguay , Paraguay and then back to Argentina.

Argentinean couple Belen Francesena and Mateo Pinto are very impressed by the hospitality of the Guyanese people, as they ride through

A New Developmental Ecosystem

GUYANESE have been urged to take advantage of what has been described by Senior Minister in the Office of the President Dr. Ashni Singh as “boundless opportunities”.

According to Dr. Singh, the Guyanese economy today is growing by leaps and bounds, the fastest growing economy in the world, growing at an average of more than 45 per cent over the last two years, with an anticipated growth rate of more than 25 per cent in real terms over the next three to five years.

This is quite an extraordinary feat for which full credit must be given to President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo who are the two main architects of the country's transformative agenda.

During the recent meet-

ing between President Ali and Lius Abinadar, President of the Dominican Republic, several collaborative agreements were signed which could see the establishment of an oil refinery in Guyana and a petrochemical plant, among several other developments.

These are all massive developmental projects which could potentially catapult Guyana as a manufacturing hub in the region.

An oil refinery in Guyana, apart from the obvious benefits in terms of cheaper oil and petroleum products, would also see the emergence of other value-added petrochemical products. Additionally, it will result in enhanced foreign exchange earnings and the creation of highend job opportunities for Guyanese.

All of this is consis -

tent with the balanced developmental trajectory embraced by the PPP/C administration based on agro-industrial growth and development.

Historically, Guyana has never benefitted optimally from its natural resources due to an outdated centre-periphery approach to development in which developing countries were seen as mere suppliers of raw materials for the metropolitan markets.

The raw materials were then processed into manufactured goods and sold to developing countries at exorbitant prices. One consequence of such skewed approach to development was adverse terms of trade and a consequential severe balance of payments burden on the part of developing countries.

In Guyana's case during the colonial and the imme-

diate post-colonial period, Guyana was producing raw materials mainly for the metropolitan markets with little or no value-added benefits.

This was true for our major exports such as sugar, bauxite, timber and gold. We were at a stage where paradoxically, we were consuming what we did not produce, and producing what we could not consume.

All of that has now changed with the great emphasis placed by the current PPP/C administration on food and energy security. Guyana is now once again the bread basket of the Caribbean.

Great emphasis is now being placed on alternative forms of green energy and climate mitigation measures as reflected in the revised Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS)

framework.

Without a doubt, the environment for development has changed since the days of PNC paramountcy when the State was regarded as the engine of growth. The private sector was not only marginalised but effectively squeezed out of developmental opportunities.

Thanks to the PPP/C administration, the private sector today is at the centre of the growth momentum, with the government doing its best to create an enabling environment for the private sector to invest and create wealth.

This is true for both local and foreign investors. This point was emphasised by President Ali when observed that foreign investors are treated equally as local investors.

According to President Ali, in many countries there is a disparity between

the treatment of foreign investment and local investors.

In Guyana's case, foreign investors are treated equally with local investors. As noted by the President, Guyana is seeking to create a new model “where foreign investors are local investors because of the way they partner with the private sector.”

What we are seeing in effect, in the words of President Ali, is a new ecosystem to facilitate the country's massive expansion, one in which there is higher levels of collaboration between the government and investors in order to give impetus to the country's development. Guyana is today one of the best investment destination in the world where opportunities truly abound.

From wet floors to comfort

By Trina Williams

FLOODED with joy and tears of happiness, 45-year-old Sonia Thomas, a mother of five, said the receipt of her new home officially marked new beginnings for her and her family.

For this mother of five, life was not sunshine and rainbows, but she demonstrated that through perseverance, no matter how difficult the road, one should not give up and keep working towards his/her goals.

Forced to take up residence in a deplorable unit that was riddled with holes, Thomas told this publication that she is happy to give her grandson, kids and even herself, a proper home to live in.

“I’m feeling overwhelmed, overjoyed and happy, not just for me but for my kids,” the mother of five said.

Thomas further remarked that she can vividly remember when her life changed for the better. And that was when

officials from the Ministry of Housing and Water visited her in the pouring rain and saw the water seeping through the deplorable roof of her previous home.

With her two-year-old grandson beside her, although ashamed, she said it marked new beginnings and blessings for her family, as the weight that plagued her for over two decades was lifted off her shoulders and prosperity was showering in.

And with Christmas

with

and

45-year-old Sonia Thomas, a mother of five, said the receipt of her new home officially marked new beginnings for her and her family

OP-ED White guilt, Afro nationalism, and Indian marginalisation

By Dr. Randolph Persaud

RECENT developments in Guyana require careful reflection on the ways in which Guyanese nationhood has been imagined

My argument is that East Indians in Guyana have never been allowed to belong to the inner core of nationhood

Despite 185 years of physical presence in the country, they have been both inadvertently and deliberately excommunicated from the inside of nationhood , from equal and full belonging

Instead, the Guyanese East Indian is constructed as an intruder in a country and a region where their history and their very existence is confined and quarantined to the margins They have been marked absent in their presence

Further, Guyanese Indians are wrongly blamed for the structural location bequeathed by colonialism to Afro-Guyanese Unlike Guyanese Afro nationalists, Indians have no equivalent of the Black Caucus

How could such a thing happen in a country that was born through a united anti-colonial struggle ? How could such a thing indeed happen in a country where the founding figures of the independence movement, and of the struggle for national sovereignty, were built on solidarity across racial groups?

The central argument is that whereas Africans and Afro - Guyanese have direct access to, and are an integral part of Western modernity , Caribbean Indians, and especially Guyanese Indians, have been rendered invisible

They have no connections to the discourses of either suffering or emancipation beyond their own articulations of indentureship Indentureship has not been given the status of a great historical wrong.

India, though ravaged for hundreds of years by Europe, and Indians though plundered, raped, and murdered by the millions through war and deliberate starvation , have had no place in the historical imagination of Guyanese creole intellectual class

Let us proceed with three arguments to establish my theory of East Indian disqualification from the inside of nationhood

Firstly , we should recognise and embrace the fact that there is a global African presence, something that

emerged through centuries of struggle It is not that Indigenous Peoples, or the numerous countries in Asia did not suffer They did, and millions perished But the power and influence of Pan-African universalism is powerful in our minds because Africans were subjected to slavery in the West itself.

Generalised economic exploitation and dehumanisation of Africans by Europeans resulted in an almost permanent state of shame by White Americans Europeans towards Africans

By contrast , there is no corresponding rhetorical regime of injuries and injustices for Indians Guyanese Indians do not even fit in the histories of the Subaltern School of post colonialism which originated in India

These displaced Indians have no emancipatory grand narrative in which to situate their grievances They belong to neither the East nor the West They are marginalised to the point where though they are a numerical majority, they are treated as an ethnic group that is outside of the national mainstream

Why else do you think you never hear an Indian melody in public spaces such as hotel lobbies or shopping malls?

Secondly, global capitalism and successive world-orders since the late 19th century have been anchored by Anglo - American economic dominance and cultural hegemony The Grand Other in the Anglo-American imagination has been the “Black” figure American world influence has also catapulted the injustices against African Americans to a global audience Afro- Guyanese intellectuals and politicians locate their own grievances within this transnational paradigm of resistance and redemption The Caribbean Indian has no such recourse

Now , based on the first and second points, I argue that because Africans have been in the “ West ,” even though as the Other , their spatial , intellectual, and cultural proximity to the West has given their resistance to domination greater exposure , saliency , and political priority

A global Afro-emancipatory epistemology emerged since the days of the Civil Rights Movement , and has been rightfully consolidated, at least in Western intellectual circles Although intellectuals in India have made significant

contributions to Marxism, post colonialism, and other branches of critical intervention , there is no equivalence to the expansive rhetorical repertoire available to Afro-Guyanese

Moreover , most Guyanese Indians educated the West in the social sciences and humanities , including this writer, accept the general arguments of African emancipatory struggles This is precisely why so many Indians (intellectuals and others) had gravitated to Walter Rodney

We should recognise that “ Black ” intellectuals have been producing counter-hegemonic knowledge in the West for a least a hundred years No university social science curriculum today can ignore the writings of W E B DuBois, Frantz Fanon, Amié Césaire, Wole Soyinka, Eric Williams, Walter Rodney, Bell Hooks, Stuart Hall , Paul Gilroy , or Achille Membe And then there are iconic names like James Baldwin , Langston Hughes, Angela Davis, Toni Morrison , Maya Angelou , Wilson Harris, Chinu Achebe, and Ngugi wa Thiongo , among others

We should not forget the massive influence of resistance songs by Bob Marley, one of the few global musicians of all time The global impact of these writers , combined with the historic work done in the Pan African Congresses, and in the UNIA through the Garvey movement, put in place a reservoir of knowledge that can ‘authorise’ discursive moves such as those made by the WPA

When Tacuma Ogunyese calls for an Afro - led subversion of the state, he takes cover not based on what is happening in Guyana Rather, he finds an already available alibi located in the sanctified universalism of Afro-emancipatory narratives

For the past several hundred years , Africans have established a global presence

I am arguing that Africans have constructed a global Pan-African identity, one that is necessarily politicised and massively influential

The practice of “ Black politics ” in Guyana is constructed within the ambit of this Black transnational identity The East Indians of Guyana have no such resource or recourse available because they do not have an equivalent paradigm

White guilt regarding slavery and racism in the US and Europe leaves no space

to recognise wrongs against Guyanese Indians East Indians, therefore, must pay the price for White Guilt

Afro-Guyanese are quintessentially Western in culture, and this despite the painful history of Africans in the West well into the contemporary period Most are Christians

Most became literate at a time when Indians were barely graduating from secondary schools, and significant percentage live in urban areas

Guyanese “nationess” was fomented through the systematic exclusion of Indian customs, religious practices, and ways of life Jagan’s victory in 1992 was taken to be a wrongful instance in our historical development

Many will recall that Associate Professor David Hinds advanced the theory that Hoyte, not Jagan, should be a consensus candidate, even though Hoyte was an “electoral bandit” in the language of Paul Tennassee (leader of

the PDM).

The PPP victory in 1992 was taken traumatically because the Afro-modern creole sector of the population felt they have a natural right and a sole right to state power It is under these circumstances that global narratives of African emancipation became a political resource in Guyana. Afro - Guyanese , therefore , have a global backdrop in which to situate their claims of suffering, and their claims of the natural right to state power in Guyana

In the current situation , anti - PPP / C activists in the United States have combined with the APNU in Guyana to exploit race to the fullest Instead of raising issues of policy, they try to connect the struggles of African Americans to the development issues in Guyana Hakeem Jeffries has been fooled into believing that the African condition in Guyana is like that of the United States This monstrous

distortion must be corrected

The record shows that an African Guyanese was the head of government for 31 of the 57 years since independence

Through its coalition , the PNC has controlled state finances for 34.5 years of those 57 years since independence . White guilt cannot displace this record.

Dr. Randolph Persaud

What I saw on the seawall and in the National Park

THE situation I saw on the seawall occurred a month ago

The incident in the National Park occurred last Sunday I was with my dog on the wall in the morning hours, when I saw three police cars and two military vehicles pulled up The British High Commissioner and a lady came out of their diplomatic SUV, and they headed toward the beach, north of the bandstand

The security ranks , with guns , stood watching the two ladies as they walked on territory that I am familiar with since I was 10 years old until they went back to their vehicles Up to this day, I do not know who that lady with the High Commissioner was and what she was doing in Guyana I saw no press coverage from the print media or online media houses

Who was she? She had to be a very important figure from the UK because she was given this intimidating security coverage Was that kind of security escort necessary? I see Cabinet ministers all the time in different parts of Georgetown and they have no security ranks with them Twice, I met Minister Charles Ramson on the seawall and he had no security escort with him

I guess if the British diplomatic mission in Guyana requested those policemen and soldiers to accompany the visitor to the beach, then I think the relevant authority could not have refused That is the obligation of the host country.

My question is --- should the request have been made in the first place? But there are other relevant questions Given the hostile attitude in some quarters in Guyana, no matter how tiny those enclaves are, should ministers not be accompanied by police and military escorts too?

I saw a video of Minister of Public Service , Sonia Parag , being prevented from entering a community hall in Region Five There were about three persons blocking her entry If those three police vehicles and two military convoys were there, then the minister could have gained access

Next - the National Park scenario I think there may be very few staff at the National Park that knows that place more than me I exercised and rode in the park “before I was born .” For years now , some Venezuelans spouses and their children would go under one of the shelters every Sunday to read the

Bible and pray

What I saw Sunday was disheartening The security rank told the gathering that they can no longer use the facility They have to register and pay a fee The shelter in the National Park is public space Most of the shelters are dilapidated structures with wooden benches that are rotting, and they are normally smelly

What this new policy of the park’s administration means is that after Friday afternoon prayers at the mosques, Muslim cannot go under one of those huts and read the Koran The new policy means that a group of Hindus cannot go on a Sunday morning under one of those huts and read extracts from the Bhagavad Gita This discriminates against people practising their religion

Twenty footballers can take their balls and play soccer anytime they want in the park It is a public space My heart sunk when I saw how those Venezuelans were treated because if the Ministry of Public Woks adopts the same kind of attitude, then families can no longer gather on the beach by the bandstand on the seawall

When I saw the incident , I called the administrator of the park, Mr Persaud He agreed to let them use the facility for that day, but he said they must register and a lower fee would be allowed

Why do you have to pay a fee to go to a public space to pray? I called the Foreign Secretary, Mr Robert Persaud, who is chair of the National Parks Commission. He said he does not agree with stopping the people from having their prayer sessions every Sunday under one of the huts He told me he will intervene

I am looking forward to a positive outcome

What is so hard for Guyanese to understand that we ran from our own country when economy, politics and life had broken down here? And where did we run to – all over the world Countries were nice to us

Human decency dictates that we should be nice to people who come here looking for a future

I hate very few things in life but one of the things I hate are Guyanese who have spouses, children, family members and relatives in other countries and are against other people settling here

How could God make such horrible people?

Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders: Guyana’s youth engage with low carbon strategies

TO commemorate International Youth Day, a panel discussion and exhibition was held at the Pegasus Hotel by the Coordinator of Projects financed through the Guyana Norway Agreement , the Environmental Awareness Coordinator , and the Senior Manager at DAI, SBG. Young people from all over Guyana attended the event, which was centred on the theme, “Green skills for youth: towards a sustainable world.”

In his presentation, coordinator of the projects, Nikolaus Oudkerk explained that the LCDS, which spans all sectors, is Guyana’s national development strategy, which the nation can take to develop and flourish in a non-polluting , low - carbon approach

He posited that preventing climate change and its detrimental repercussions, such as floods and droughts, entail using resources sustainably.

In essence , low carbon approaches denote maintaining a low level or reducing carbon dioxide, and carbon dioxide substitutes like methane and nitrous oxide It is a known fact that greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide negatively affect the environment and lead to climate change, global warming, and their detrimental repercussions. Mr. Ourkerk explained at the panel session that utilising resources sustainably

entails preserving their availability for use by future generations

“Of course, it is you the youths that will inherit, live and carry on in this world

So, immediately, we see that one of the benefits is inheriting and being able to live in a healthy and habitable country or environment where we have resources that can be used and traded for financial and economic gain This is of significant importance when you think of the amount of disease that can be spread from pollution , the associated deaths and shortened life spans of people, and the poverty associated with not having resources”, Oudkerk stated

In order to examine another layer in more detail , Oudkerk examined the four key strategic or theme areas of the LCDS 2030 and explained how the strategies will help youth/people Taking a look at the topic of promoting future growth, Oudkerk related that this focuses on , among other things, preparing Guyana’s youth through education at various levels to prepare themselves for employment in traditional and non - traditional low carbon sectors He explained Guyanese are more optimistic as they become more environmentally and climate-conscious of the activities they are engaged in.

According to him, the International Centre for Biodiversity Research is one of the institutes that the government will establish , and he has been working with the National Centre for Educational Resource Development, the University of Guyana , and technical vocational institutions to align their curricula with various LCDS components

The strategy area of fostering future growth also examines clean and renewable energy and how Guyanese must accommodate a tripling in energy consumption over the course of the next seven years, and maintain low carbon development The LCDS 2030, outlines a pathway to accomplishing this, Oudkerk added

He further said that young business owners in the manufacturing and service industries will require a consistent supply of electricity This field also examines low-carbon digital infrastructure , such as quick and reliable internet connectivity, in addition to low - carbon infrastructure for the road, water, and air Youths today live in a very digital age, which will benefit not only distance study but also social media communication and showing off your talents, hobbies, and skills

“Creating new incentives for a low carbon economy”

he said, “We examined how the forests contribute to the fight against climate change, considered sustainable forestry and low-impact mining, which both have the potential to create jobs and income and discussed how we can use our forests ’ ability to regulate climate and other ecosystem services, such as those provided by the ocean economy, to generate income on the global market and use that income to fund a variety of initiatives that will benefit all parties involved, such as the creation of jobs.’’

The Micro and Small Enterprise Development Project , one of the initiatives indicated in the first LCDS ( LCDS 2009 ), and already launched, will be a follow-up to one of these projects to offer more jobs. The initiative was first financed by revenue from the forest climate services we provided as part of our collaboration with the

Kingdom of Norway.

Guyana collaborated with commercial banks and microfinance organisations on this project to provide approximately 220 loans and 590 grants for business owners in low-carbon industries There was also no cost for instruction Over 2,200 jobs in low-carbon industries were created by this programme and/or maintained

Additionally, the project coordinator emphasised collaborations were made with banks to lower interest rates from as high as 14 percent down to six percent

‘ Protecting against Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss’ is the third strategic area In order to prevent a repeat of what happened in 2005 , when devastating floods cost our nation’s economy 60% of its GDP, and to ensure that we have plans in place to deal with sea level rise and extreme droughts ,

this involves increasing adaptation capacity and strengthening our nation’s resilience to the negative consequences of climate change

“ Aligning with Global Climate and Biodiversity Goals” is the fourth strategy area, which includes, among other things, the Sustainable Development Goals and the global ambition of Net Zero by 2050 As you are aware, net zero refers to a situation in which the amount of greenhouse gases we release into the atmosphere is equal to or lower than the amount we capture or take in from the atmosphere and store As we sequester more than we give out , Guyana is already net zero and is a predominant net carbon sink, while the rest of the world strives to be

About 85% of Guyana is covered in forests, which annually absorb about 154 million tons of carbon dioxide

From wet floors...

FROM PAGE 6

fast approaching, Thomas said the new home means her family will have a wonderful time.

She related: “Well I already have a Christmas gift and this will

Ministry of Housing and Water and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) under the Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme (AHUAP).

While a core home

Minister Croal said. Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, emphasised the importance of the Core Home Programme in advancing the government's

be good for us… I think it’s going to be the best Christmas, by the grace of God.”

Thomas, although unable to contain her tears, expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of the

costs $4.4 million, the beneficiary will only pay $100,000 and according to the mother of five, her eldest sons were the ones who pooled together the money to ensure that she got the home.

Meanwhile, “energetic” and “happy” were the adjectives used by 52-year-old Paul Cottam, who, after 20 years of living with his family, will be able to turn the keys to his own home.

Cottam, who is also visually impaired, said that he applied to the ministry since 2009 and to achieve such a lucrative deal is both a relief and joy for him.

Thomas along with Cottam received their core homes in Diamond, East Bank Demerara, on Tuesday.

MORE HOMES

Meanwhile, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, told media operatives that the handing over of the two core homes in Diamond, signifies the start of bringing the programme to the East Bank Demerara corridor.

“We’re trying to push the project because it has a life cycle… and so we want to push to complete in a timely manner,”

housing campaign by focusing on the most vulnerable groups in society.

The AHUAP programme, funded by the IDB, focuses on improving the quality of life in urban and peri-urban areas of Georgetown. Its objectives include providing better access to adequate housing, basic infrastructure, and improved accessibility and mobility services for low-income populations.

Alongside the Core Home initiative, AHUAP also offers the Home Improvement Subsidy, which grants beneficiaries $500,000 worth of materials to undertake crucial repairs in their homes. Additionally, the programme prioritises the safety of women and girls by conducting Women’s Safety Audit (WSA) workshops, which aid in planning infrastructure development in targeted communities.

The completion and handover of these new core homes signify a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to uplift vulnerable families and enhance their living conditions.

52-year-old Paul Cottam, who, after 20 years of living with his family, will be able to turn the keys to his own home

Rose Hall Estate to commence production in September ––

MINISTER of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, has said that the Rose Hall Sugar Estate, East Berbice Corentyne will soon see smoke coming out of its chimney with the investment of funds to clear more additional hectares of land for cultivation

The Minister made this declaration recently in the National Assembly as the house discussed the supplementary funding requested to provide additional resources to facilitate the rehabilitation of 1,572 hectares of lands at Albion, Blairmont, Rose Hall and Uitvlugt estates

Against this backdrop, he said that this investment is very important as the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo)

says Agriculture Minister

was on the verge of destruction before the People’s Progressive Party/Civic entered office in 2020

“ We are hoping with the development of these lands, the lands that were abandoned by the APNU+AFC at Rose Hall, where you have forest now grown, we have to clear those lands, do retilling, do replanting to bring up the hectares so that Rose Hall will have enough cane to grind,” the Minister said

As such, he said that by the end of September, Rose Hall will begin production soon even as he noted that this is a promise that the government made and will be bringing that to a reality

Mustapha added that approximately 1,100 workers that were fired under the previous administration are once again in employment at the Rose Hall estate

Giving a breakdown of how many hectares will be rehabilitated at each estate, he said that some 660 hectares will be cleared at Rose Hall, 600 at Albion, 180 at Blairmont and 132 at Uitvlugt

With these additional lands, he said that this will increase the amount of sugar produced and noted that this year’s target is 60,000 tonnes while next year is 100,000 tonnes and this will contribute to those targets

The Assembly further approved the requested sum of $1,510B.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha

Over 500 Wauna residents to benefit from potable water

- as work commences on new well

THE Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has commenced drilling of a new well in Wauna, Region One, which will benefit more than 500 residents when completed in September of this year.

The project estimated to cost under $10 million, is being undertaken by GWI's hinterland in-house team of engineers and technicians.

Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal during a visit to the project site on Monday, was happy to see work in progress and urged the workers to deliver the project within time.

The drilling of the well is the first step in the fulfillment

of a promise made by President, Dr Irfaan Ali during a community engagement with Region One residents.

“Knowing the constraint that we have in the supply of water in the township, this well is part of the holistic plan of the government in addressing, in a fast-tracked way, the water issues that are confronting the people of Mabaruma,” the minister said.

When the new well comes on stream, residents of Wauna will no longer have to rely on the reservoir at Wanaina, a nearby community that supplies water but has not always been reliable.

On Monday, Neil Chu, 70, a resident of Wauna for more than two decades, was on site observing the drilling exercise and could hardly contain the joy of soon having a well in his community.

“This is a very good initiative; we depend on the reservoir at Wanaina, which is about four miles from this project site, and sometimes it is a struggle to get water. We are delighted that the government is delivering on its commitment to the people of Wauna and Mabaruma as a whole and we look forward to receiving

reliable supply of water in the comfort of our homes,” a jolly Chu said.

Residents of Wauna harvest rainwater for cooking and domestic use, and would utilise water from the creeks when rainwater is in short supply and the Wanaina reservoir runs low.

“This will be a big relief for us,” Carla Ramit told GWI, pointing out that “We receive water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays and the pressure is low in some parts of the Wauna. Thanks to GWI and the government for listening to us and delivering on their promise to the residents of Wauna.”

The supply of water to Wauna residents will be made easier since GWI will be utilising the existing water distribution system in the community.

The utility company will also connect the water systems in the municipality to improve the level of service to residents.

Hinterland Services Director, GWI, Ramchand Jailall said his team is pushing to complete the well and connection to the distribution network by the end of September, noting that improved service to residents is a top priority of GWI.

The well, once completed, will initially serve more than 500 residents of Wauna and de-

pending on its capacity, service could be extended to 500 more.

The government is investing heavily to improve access to water in the hinterland regions of Guyana.

The GWI, last Sunday, commissioned a $20 million water system at Kwebanna, bringing relief to some 900 residents of the remote community, and Minister Croal has announced that a well will be installed in Warapoka, directly benefitting hundreds of residents there as well.

Meanwhile, work has started on a new well in Wallaba, Region One, as GWI steams ahead with its hinterland work programme.

In the past two years, GWI has increased water coverage in the hinterland regions from 46 per cent in 2020 to 75 per cent at the end of 2022, and is working aggressively to achieve the 85 per cent target by the end of this year.

The government, this year, has allocated some $1.4 billion for the drilling and installation of water distribution network in the hinterland region, to achieve the goal of 100 per cent access to water services by residents of hinterland and riverine communities by 2025.

Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal (left) makes a point to GWI Hinterland Services Director, Ramchand Jailall (second left) at the project site

Neil Chu

Carla Ramit

WPA member disparages Islam

–– says religion is against women

ONCE again, the Working People ’ s Alliance ( WPA ) has come under fire for “offensive and disrespectful” remarks in an effort to create division in the Guyanese society.

WPA Executive member, Rhonda Layne , during her remarks at the Cuffy 250 Committee Forum , disparaged Islam and proceeded to imply that the religion oppresses women

“ In a Muslim ’ s life , a woman is only there to be a home-maker, a child bearer and everything that is against the women,” Layne said The principles of Islam are widely established and respected by persons even outside of the religion , so Layne ’ s remarks could be deemed as a dangerous and misinformed narrative to women and their religion

Earlier this year , the WPA also faced tremendous backlash for inciting hate at a rally, and when called out by their own party members and associates, WPA Executive member, David Hinds

referred to those persons as “slave catchers.”

Hinds, lashed out against the media, the private sector, trade unions and Indo-Guyanese Opposition members for speaking out against the racially incendiary remarks made by fellow WPA member, Tacuma Ogunseye

On his virtual programme “Politics 101,” Hinds referred to the Indo-Guyanese People’s National Congress-Reform (PNC/R) member Geeta Chandan-Edmond, the Stabroek News newspaper and the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana ( FITUG ) as “ slaver catchers,” for having condemned remarks made by Ogunseye

Hinds also called out PNC / R Parliamentarians Ganesh Mahipaul, and Natasha Singh-Lewis; Regional Chairman Daniel Seeram , and Mayor Ubraj Narine for their comments

“We are going to begin to document all the slave catchers , from the private sector to FITUG, from FITUG to Stabroek News and

$54M worth of cannabis

seized

two arrested in Corentyne operation

A DISCOVERY of about 180.6 kilogrammes of cannabis was made by the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) during an operation in Number 51 village, Corentyne, Berbice, on Tuesday.

During the operation, CANU discovered several bags containing suspected cannabis parcels, accord-

all those other slave catchers who are hunting down slaves to turn them in to the master we are documenting them there is life after the

PPP Those who are catching slaves to turn them in to the masters , may the wrath of the ancestors visit them ,”

Hinds said Ogunseye ’ s comments were further compounded by further incendiary remarks made by fellow WPA member, Layne

According to Hinds, by refusing to remain silent, and standing up against what has been described as hateful and racist remarks made by Ogunseye , the Indo - Guyanese members of the opposition have fed into the belief that they are traitors.

The parcels that were discovered on Tuesday (CANU photo)

ing to a press release

The substance, suspected to be cannabis, was transported to CANU’s office in Skeldon, Corentyne, Berbice Upon testing, it was confirmed to be cannabis and weighed around 398.15 lbs, with an estimated value of $54.1 million

Two persons were subsequently arrested and are in custody assisting with the investigation.

WPA Executive Member, Rhonda Layne

No limit to available entrepreneurial opportunities

–– Dr. Singh says; encourages companies to convert unique skills, interests into successful business ventures

GUYANESE have been urged to take advantage of the immense entrepreneurial opportunities available in Guyana.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh made the call as he delivered remarks at the opening of the Laparkan Technology Expo, held as part of its 40th anniversary, at Pegasus Conference Centre

The minister commended the company for this significant milestone, adding that this serves as a testament to the value of forging lasting international partnerships

He urged that all Guyanese companies take advantage of the opportunities for strategic international partnerships that abound as a result of the country’s upward economic trajectory

“We live today in a period when entrepreneurial opportunities abound at a scale, with a frequency and rapidity that has never been seen before The Guyanese economy today is growing by leaps and bounds, the

fastest growing economy in the world, growing at an average of more than 45 per cent over the last two years, and anticipated to grow at more than 25 per cent in real terms over the next three to five years

“So, the lesson of Laparkan and its founders, identifying this opportunity, seizing it, taking a chance, investing, and converting that opportunity into a rapidly growing business, is an important example and lesson to anybody considering entrepreneurial opportunities today,” the senior minister explained

The finance minister also noted that, in exploring these opportunities and investing, it is important that companies identify their unique skills and interests, thereby converting those into successful business ventures

“You have to know what you are good at, what your own skills and comparative advantages are, what your risk appetite is, and you have to put your skills and comparative advantages at work for you,” he said

The government recognises the importance of this, and is actively employing technology to promote increased efficiency in the delivery and implementation of government services

Minister of Labour,

Joseph Hamilton; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Vice Chairman of Laparkan Trading Limited, Hussein Haniff; President of Canon Mexicana, Mikio Tagaki, and President of Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Kester Hutson were also in attendance. (DPI)

Laparkan, the authorised local distributor of Canon products, on Monday, held an expo to highlight Canon’s products and technologies. The expo also featured educational seminars and imaging innovation demonstrations

Four persons die in separate fires at Linden, Essequibo

THE Guyana Fire Service is currently investigating the circumstances that led to two fires which occurred in Linden and Essequibo.

The fires have claimed the lives of four people , including two children At approximately 23:45 hours on Monday evening, a fire was reported to the Linden Fire Station

available,” the Guyana Fire Service said

The victims in the Linden fire were identified as 12 - year - old Eikeila Adams and her aunt, Cheryl Moore

The fire in Essequibo claimed the lives of 34-year-old Susan La Cruz and her seven-year-old son, Isha Wilson Minister of Home Af-

distraught neighbour of the victims, Arlene Burnette, said she saw the blaze which “was out of control.”

She said that she started to scream because she was thinking what would happen to the children who were living there

“Oh God, I was so worried the fire, it was so much out of control I keep walking up and down

Upon arrival at the Silvertown address , firefighters saw a two-storey house engulfed in flames and smoke

Meanwhile , around 17:20 hours on Tuesday morning, another fire was reported at Good Hope , Essequibo

Despite firefighters ’ best efforts, both buildings and their contents were destroyed by the time the fires were extinguished

It was also subsequently discovered that four people had died — two at each location— as a result of the two fires

“We are working assiduously to gather all the necessary details surrounding these two incidents and will update accordingly as soon as the information becomes

fairs, Robeson Benn, visited the family of La Cruz and her son, and expressed his sincere condolences for the loss

He urged all residents to take precautionary measures to help in the prevention of such disasters, which can cause severe emotional and psychological distress

The two - storey house which La Cruz and her son occupied was owned by Ilene Wilson; however, her two sons Andrew and Linden occupied the house with their families

The Guyana Chronicle understands that five occupants of the home were able to escape unharmed Neighbours are said to be in shock after witnessing the raging fire A visibly

I can’t understand how this happen,” Burnette said. La Cruz’s mother, Savitri Boodlall described her daughter as a loving person who took good care of her children

“My daughter was living in the lower flat with her children, and she was so loving… I can’t believe this,” Boodlall said.

Susan La Cruz and Isah Wilson during happier times

The house that was destroyed by fire at Silvertown, Linden

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Courtney Walsh...

FROM BACK PAGE

for the team as they gear up to conquer the competition under the expert guidance of one of the sport's most esteemed figures.

Walsh's illustrious cricket career, characterised by his unerring accuracy, intimidating pace, and exceptional leadership skills, makes him a perfect fit for the role of Head Coach. Having represented the West Indies cricket team with distinction for over a decade, Walsh's wealth of experience and cricketing intelligence is sure to elevate the performance of the Guyana Amazon Warriors Women's team.

Walsh’s coaching prowess outlined through his time working with both male and female teams around the world, most recently serving as Head Coach for the West Indies Women’s team and Oval Invincibles

"I am truly honored to take on the role of Head Coach for the Guyana

Amazon Warriors Women's team," expressed Courtney Walsh. "I am excited to work with this talented group of players and contribute to their growth and success. It's a privilege to be a part of the WCPL once again, and I am confident that together, we can achieve great things."

Walsh's appointment is a testament to the commitment of the Guyana Amazon Warriors Women's team to fostering excellence and nurturing local talent. The tournament begins on August 31 with Warriors going up against Barbados Royals Women in their opening match. Warriors will then face Royals on September 3 in Barbados. They will then head over to Trinidad and Tobago for their clash against Trinbago Knight Riders Women on September 5 and 9 for a chance to book their place in the final on September 10 in Trinidad and Tobago.

Guyana Amazon...

FROM BACK PAGE

Johnson as the Manager of the Guyana Amazon Warriors," the franchise management noted. "His proven leadership abilities, extensive knowledge of the game, and strong ties to the cricketing community make him the perfect fit for this role. We believe his appointment will invigorate the team and drive us towards championship glory."

Johnson expressed his enthusiasm about his new role, stating, "I am honored and excited to take on the responsibility of managing the Guyana

Amazon Warriors. It's a privilege to work with such a talented group of players and support staff. My goal is to foster a culture of excellence, teamwork, and determination, and I look forward to leading the team to success in the upcoming CPL seasons."

The Guyana Amazon Warriors have consistently been a force to reckon with in the Caribbean Premier League, and with the addition of Johnson as Manager, the franchise aims to build on its legacy and capture its first title.

Berbice Vipers end Mercenary’s seeming invincibility

ALREADY assured of the regular season T20 and T-15 titles in this year’s Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) 2023 season, giant killers Mercenary’s seeming invincibility came to a screeching end on Sunday at the Ellesmere Number One ground.

Starting as firm favourites to add the T20 Playoffs title to their bulging collection, the defending champions were dethroned by Berbice Vipers, going down by six runs in an exciting low-scoring contest which was decided in the final over.

Set 104 for victory after limiting Berbice Vipers to 104 for nine in their allotted 20 overs, Mercenary were off to a nightmare start, losing the wickets of prolific openers Avinash Sookdeo and Avish Rukhram in the first two overs, both going for five.

The defending champions, who were harbouring

thoughts of carting off all four titles, like they did last year, plunged into further trouble and at 39 for five in the 12th over were staring down the barrel.

However, a fine 37-run sixth-wicket partnership in just four overs between the hard-hitting Zaheer Allard and Muniram Karran brough Mercenary back into contention.

Allard’s 31 off 23 balls was laced with a four and three huge sixes while Karran’s contribution in the partnership was 11.

The innings took a dramatic turn as not only Allard and Karran were sent packing at 76, the former off the last ball of the 15th over and the latter off the first ball of the 16th, while Orin O’Neil followed at the same score without troubling the scorers. It became 77 for nine when Satrohan Balkarran’s stumps were shattered by Nishal Dass with Berbice Vipers sensing victory.

Another twist ensued as Rabindra Diaram (16 not out) and last man Bholanuth Sukhu (four) took Mercenary to within seven runs for victory, staging a brave undefeated 21run stand but their effort proved in vain as Berbice Vipers prevailed by six

…cart off OSCL T20 Playoffs title

runs much to the delight of their fans.

Bowling for the winners, Eyon Asrula finished with the impressive figures of three for 15 from his four overs and received valuable support from Anil Kumar (two for nine), Nishal Dass (two for 15)

and Sudesh Beharry (two for 36).

Earlier, Berbice Vipers, who were inserted to bat by their opponents, were guided to what became a winning score by a topscore of 34 from 36 balls by opener Ravain Yusuf, an innings which contained four fours and a six. Asrula’s 15 towards the end of the innings also proved vital. Amit Rukhram bagged four for 10 while Balkarran took three for 13.

At the presentation ceremony which followed, OSCL President, Shiv Persaud, announced that the T20 Playoffs, which was first sponsored last year by former president and founding-member, Kenny Girdharry, will now be officially named in his honour. Persaud thanked Girdharry for his generosity in sponsoring the tournament.

According to Girdharry, the sponsorship was done in honour of his late father, Nateram “Pops” Girdharry, an ardent cricket fan, who

passed away in 2021.

Apart from carting off the winning trophy, Berbice Vipers’ Asrula was also adjudged the player of the match for his team for his fine all-round performance while Amit Rukhram was the choice for Mercenary, whose skipper Looknauth Ramsuchit collected the runner-up trophy.

Apart from emerging winners of the tournament, it also marked the first time that Berbice Vipers had qualified for a final since joining the OSCL.

Meanwhile, Mercenary will have a chance to redeem themselves in the T-10 semi-final, billed for Saturday, August 26 at the Ellesmere Number One ground when they oppose Better Hope. The winners will clash with Caribbean Sensation the following day at the same venue, bringing down the curtains on the OSCL 2023 season.

Player of the match, Eyon Asrula, receives his award from OSCL Treasurer, Natasha Sue

Berbice Vipers skipper, Christopher Singh, collects the winning trophy from a member of the Girdharry family. Sponsor Kenny Girdharry is at right while OSCL President, Shiv Persaud, is at left

The victorious Berbice Vipers players pose with their winnings along with OSCL executives

Sammy still hunting for ‘wickettaking’ bowler to strengthen side

FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida, (CMC – Head coach Darren Sammy said West Indies were still lacking a genuine strike bowler, even in the wake of their triumph in the five-match Twenty20 International series against India.

West Indies dominated the Asian powerhouses to win the final T20I at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium by eight wickets on Sunday and complete a 3-2 series win – their first over their rivals in seven years.

And while praising the strides made by the unit, Sammy said there were still improvements to be made in order to further enhance the quality of performances.

“I think we have the batting, if we put our egos aside and play the

situation, and have the best man in that situation representing the team as a batting group. I think we’re ok,” Sammy said.

“I still feel for us, we’re still searching for that wicket-taking bowler. We have Alzarri (Joseph), we have Akeal (Hosein) who gives us that control

like we saw [on Sunday] in the power-play.

“When we were strong, yes, we had the power-hitters but we had (Sunil) Narine, we had (Samuel) Badree – we had guys who could get wickets in the middle.

“And when we do those things – get wick-

ets in the power-play, get wickets in the middle –we do put teams under pressure.”

A two-time T20 World Cup-winning captain, Sammy took over the job as white ball head coach last May, following the departure of Phil Simmons, who quit his post following West Indies’ failure to qualify for the last T20 World Cup in Australia last October. Since his appointment, Sammy has spoken of the need to find the right personnel, and he said the upcoming Caribbean Premier League, beginning today in St Lucia, would provide such a hunting ground for bowlers.

“Moving forward, it is finding them. We have young guys – (Gudakesh) Motie, (Yannic) Cariah,” said Sammy.

“The CPL is coming and I’ll be looking closely at who can have an impact with the ball for us moving forward, and I think [captain] Rovman Powell will be quite happy that he has a bowler he can call on searching for a wicket, and I think we’re searching there right now.

“But from a batting point of view, I think we’re in a good space.”

West Indies lost the preceding Test and OneDay series to India but appeared to be having an easy run in the shortest format when they stormed to a 2-0 lead.

However, India hit back to level the series with wins in the second match in Guyana and the first game of the doubleheader here last Saturday.

And Sammy said the series win, especially over

giants like India, would be a huge confidence booster, especially in view of the white-ball side’s recent disappointments.

“[We have] new coaching staff, new captains – the one day series [we lost] 2-1. We were right there,” Sammy explained.

“To come here under pressure in this game having gone 2-0 up [and] for the guys to come out and turn up and play like the way they played [on Sunday], and the senior men putting their hands up, [was great to see].”

He continued: “In the big scheme of things, beating India is always a plus but for the boys … it was also important to change the message out there in the public.”

England all-rounder Ben Stokes to come out of ODI retirement for Cricket World Cup

BEN Stokes' return to the England one-day side for the defence of the World Cup will be confirmed today.

Stokes, 32, will come out of retirement to be named in a 15-man squad for a four-match series against New Zealand in September.

The bulk of that party will form the squad for the World Cup in India in October and November.

Stokes was man of the match in the final when England won the World Cup for the first time in 2019.

The all-rounder retired from one-day internationals last summer, saying

that playing three formats was unsustainable.

He continued to lead the England Test team and play in T20 internationals, starring in the final as England lifted the World Cup in the shortest format in Australia in November.

When asked in July if he would play in the 50over World Cup, Stokes reiterated he was retired.

But in an interview with the Daily Mail, England white-ball coach Matthew Mott said captain Jos Buttler would approach Stokes over reversing that decision.

A number of newspaper reports on Monday said

Stokes was considering the request.

A quirk of the schedule means England have no Tests until they tour India for five matches between January and March next year.

Stokes had planned to use the gap to address a long-standing left-knee problem, which has severely limited his ability to bowl.

Therefore, his role at the World Cup could largely be as a specialist batter.

England will name their squad for the New Zealand ODIs, played between 8-15 September,

at 10:00 BST today. They will also name a strong 15-man party for four T20s against the Black Caps, beginning on 30 August.

Following the New Zealand series, England

will play three ODIs against Ireland at the end of September. A separate squad for this will be named at a later date.

Because of that series' close proximity to the beginning of the World Cup

on 5 October, most of the first-choice players will be rested.

England begin their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in a repeat of the 2019 final.

Mott also said England might be willing to take a risk on the fitness of pace bowler Jofra Archer, who has been plagued by injuries since bowling the super over in the thrilling finale four years ago.

England's World Cup squad will have a familiar feel, probably including nine of the squad that was successful on home soil in 2019.

(BBC Sport)

West Indies white-ball head coach, Darren Sammy

Ben Stokes was player of the match in the final when England won the World Cup in 2019

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023

Spain beat Sweden in dramatic finish to reach final

Spain beat Sweden in a thrilling finish to reach their first Women's World Cup final.Captain Olga Carmona scored an 89th-minute winner to spark wild scenes of jubilation among their supporters at Eden Park, Auckland.

Sweden - who have now lost back-to-back World Cup semi-finals - had equalised through Rebecka Blomqvist just 93 seconds earlier and it looked like the match would be going to extra time.

A game of few chances had sparked into life when substitute Salma Paralluelo, 19, gave Spain the lead with just 10 minutes remaining.

They will face England or Australia in the final in Sydney on Sunday.

The semi-final between the Lionesses and the co-hosts is live across the BBC on Wednesday (11:00 BST).

Explosive finish after cagey 80 minutes

While Spain's players celebrated wildly on the pitch at full-time, Sweden's dropped to the floor as their World Cup dream came to an end.

There was little evidence of what was to come during a tight and cagey opening 80 minutes.

Spain boss Jorge Vilda opted to recall two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas, whose minutes on the pitch have been limited as she returns from a serious knee injury.

And it was Putellas who brought the biggest cheer of the opening half from the sellout 43,217 crowd when she nutmegged Manchester City's Filippa Angeldahl.

It took until the 42nd minute for the first shot on target, Sweden's Fridolina Rolfo denied her third goal of the tournament by her Barcelona team-mate Cata Coll.

Spain dominated possession but Sweden's defence,

which has been solid and resolute for the past month, frustrated their opponents for long periods, while the Swedes once again used a familiar weapon to try and find a breakthrough.

Seven of their 11 goals at this tournament before the semi-final had come from set-pieces but Coll, who had not started a senior game for Spain prior to the World Cup, stood up well to Sweden's inswinging corners, which had caused havoc in previous matches.

Then came the explosive finish.

Paralluelo, who scored the winner in the quarter-final against the Netherlands, kept her composure to fire Spain ahead before substitute Blomqvist poked home the equaliser.

With extra time looming, Carmona sent Spain through with a shot which went in off the bar following a corner.

Spain recover from squad

turmoil

Spain had only won one of their previous seven Women's World Cup matches before this tournament. They now head for the final after their fifth - and most dramatic - win in New Zealand.

This historic win for Spain came just 15 days after they were beaten 4-0 by Japan in a group match.

Boss Vilda said after that defeat "no-one should lose hope" and his players have responded by eliminating Switzerland, the Netherlands and Sweden.

Spain had come into this tournament under a cloud after 15 players had threatened to quit the team as they were unhappy with Vilda's methods, and the coach initially exiled them from the squad.

Three of the 15 - Mariona Caldentey, Aitana Bonmati and former Manchester United defender Ona Batlle - were eventually included in his squad for the World Cup.

Spain appear to have put those differences to one side as all three players helped their country reach the final on a memorable night for La Roja.

'I hope Spain win'

It was the same old story for Sweden as they lost for the fourth time in five World Cup

Spain’s players celebrate after Spain’s defender #19 Olga Carmona (unseen) scored her team’s second goal during the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women’s World Cup semi-final football match between Spain and Sweden at Eden Park in Auckland on August 15, 2023.

semi-finals, having knocked out 2015 and 2019 winners the United States and Japan in their past two matches.

Their players have been ruthless and efficient at this tournament but looked heartbroken after going so close to forcing extra time.

"There are so many emotions right now," said boss Peter Gerhardsson. "Everyone just feels sadness and huge disappointment."

Sweden now go to Brisbane for the third-place play-

off on Saturday (09:00 BST).

"We will be really, really ready for that game," added Gerhardsson, who said he hoped that Spain would go on to win the World Cup.

Sweden's defeat means Caroline Seger, their long-term captain, will end her international career without a World Cup winners' medal after five tournaments.

Seger has been limited to just 69 minutes of action at this World Cup because of a calf injury(BBC Sport)

James leads four-member Grenada team to World Championships in Budapest

THREE-time Olympian

Kirani James will lead a four-member Grenada team at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, according to the final entry list published by World Athletics.

THE 2023 Concacaf Boys’ Under-15 Championship wrapped up on Sunday last with the United States claiming the League A title with a 4-2 victory over Mexico at the Estadio Olimpico Felix Sanchez in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

The duel for Third-Place in League A saw an all-Caribbean affair end in a 3-1

victory for Haiti over Jamaica, also at the Estadio Olimpico Felix Sanchez.

Nicaragua are champions of League B after edging Saint Lucia 2-1 at the Stadion Rignaal Jean Francisca in Willemstad, Curacao.

In the League B ThirdPlace Match at the Stadion Rignaal Jean Francisca, Martinique defeated Bermuda 7-6 in a penalty shootout

after a 1-1 draw.

In League C in the Dominican Republic, Saint Martin claimed the title thanks to a 4-1 win over Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in the Final.

Meanwhile, in the Third-Place Match that was completed on Saturday, Turks and Caicos Islands topped Dominica 1-0. (Sportsmax)

James is the most experienced member of the team, having competed at the London, Rio and Tokyo Olympic Games and 2011, 2013, 2015, 2019 and 2022 World Championships.

He missed out on the 2017 World Championships due to illness. He is the most decorated 400-metre runner in history, winning gold, silver and bronze medals at both Olympic Games and World Championships.

The team also include two-time Javelin World

champion, Anderson Peters; Commonwealth Games Decathlon champion, Lindon Victor and female sprinter Halle Hazzard.

Peters is attempting to rewrite the history books with a third consecutive gold

medal at the World Championships.

The World Championships will take place August 19-27 at Hungary’s new National Athletics Centre in Budapest.

Kirani James, Anderson Peters, Lindon Victor and Halle Hazzard will represent Grenada at the World Championships

The US Under-15 footballers celebrate

US down Mexico to claim Concacaf Boys’ U-15 title; Haiti beat Jamaica 3-1 to take third place

(Photo by Marty MELVILLE / AFP

Easy Time’ for Master Z Racing Stables in Guyana Cup

Easy time ran in name and nature over the one mile course to win the fifteenth running of the Guyana Cup on Sunday.

Running out the Master Z racing stables, the horse dethroned defending champion and stalemate Alado to the title and

The Rising Sun Turf Club played host to the largest field of entries of the Guyana Cup history and the feature race, sponsored by Banks DIH had its own twists and turns.

From the get-go, the defending Champion Alado, jockied by C Ross got off to a flier but began fading halfway through the side. By contrast, Easy Time, imported just weeks ago begun

Easy Time won the Guyana Cup

slow but endured to the end, finishing clear of El Tarzan of Slingerz Racing Stables came in second, while Bossalina ran third and Our Stuie came fourth.

In the opening race of the day, Ross, aboard another newcomer in Twisted Jet of the Jumbo Jet racing stables won Prem’s Electrical Guyana vs Suriname

Title-holders Tallawahs clash with title-less Kings in CPL opener

GROS ISLET, St Lucia, (CMC) – Reigning champions Jamaica Tallawahs will launch the defence of their Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title when they take

son to begin,” said King, who scored a career-best unbeaten half-century last Sunday to help West Indies clinch a series win over India in Florida.

Green and Mohammed Amir.

Kings, meanwhile, will be in pursuit of their maiden CPL title, having twice made the final – in 2020 and 2021 – but come up short to Trinbago Knight Riders and St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

Head coach Darren Sammy said clinching the first title was very much still at the forefront of the squad’s minds.

“The Saint Lucia Kings are delighted to be getting their 2023 campaign under way at our home ground,” said Sammy, also the West Indies white-ball head coach.

sprint over 1100M. Shake the Bank (Hope Racing Stable) finished second ahead of Jet Lee (Club Neutraal) third and Lashana Pharaoh (Eon Smith) fourth.

Race two was the Avinash Contracting Services 2 year old Classic over 1100M and this time, Shes A Monica (Perfection Plus – Pinky’s Promise) won the USD 4,628 first prize ahead of Regal Surprise (KR Racing Stables), Top of the Stage (Ramjhon) and Country Rock (Zhair Khan) respectively.

The JAPARTS L class was race three over the same distance as the first two with Black Time out of the Shocking Race Stable beating out Heartland (Jhon Cheefoon), Princess Samiah (Jonatan

Sheoraj) and Miss Olympic (L Singh Racing Stable).

The Forresters ‘G Class Classic’ had Smokin Heels for a third successive time finish in the top spot ahead of its Jagdeo Racing Stable stalemate Supremacy. Game Changer (Jumbo Jet Racing Stables) finished third ahead of Coup D’Etat (Jadgeo Racing Stable)

The BM SOAT K class Sprint had a bit of controversy but in the end She’s A Star (Owned by T. Gobin and Trained by J Gobin ended up winners of the race ahead of Not This Time (Shocking Racing Stable) and GT Boss (Unstoppable Racing Stable).

Spankhurst won the J’s Guyana Sprint Classic (Race Seven) while Hecho Con

Amor came second ahead of Glories Business and Early Bird.

Firecracker (J Narace/ Jumbo Jet Racing Stables) won on debut as well in the Associated Construction Derby (Race 8) over a mile ahead of Rachel (Bronson Cheefoon), Scandal (Jumbo Jet Racing Stables) and Renaissance Man (Jagdeo Racing Stables).

The Jagdeo’s H class Classic (Race 9) had Sexy Eyes owned by K. McPherson winning ahead of Amicable Kate (T. Singh), Princess Stefani (Jagdeo Racing Stable) and Lucky Star (James Chefoon).

One Guyana Basketball premier league Eagles, Ravens and Mambas secure wins in opening round

By Calvin Chapman

THE eagerly anticipated, One-Guyana Basketball Premier League tipped off on Saturday last at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue from 17:00hrs and fans were treated to a triple header.

In the tournament’s opener, South Ruimveldt Mamba made light work of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) 72-50. Jonathan Pooran (19 points), Samuel Thompson (16 points) and Brandon Benton (12 points) were the standout performers for Mambas in their 22-point win over the army men. Kevon Richard top scored for GDF with 10 points.

on St Lucia Kings in the tournament opener here tonight..

The three-time champions beat Barbados Royals in last year’s final at Guyana’s National Stadium to notch their first title since 2016, and are confident of once again making their mark despite a change of leadership which has seen Rovman Powell head to Barbados Royals. His replacement, new captain Brandon King, said it was important for his side to “play with passion” if they were to make inroads.

“The Jamaica Tallawahs are excited for the 2023 sea-

. “I firmly believe that our success in the upcoming tournament lies not just in our individual skills, but in our ability to unite as a team, play with passion, and embrace every challenge that comes our way.

“I’m excited for the new season and can’t wait to get on the field to defend our title.”

King will lead a Tallawahs outfit which features the likes of estranged West Indies all-rounder Fabian Allen, Test vice-captain Jermaine Blackwood and stroke-maker Shamarh Brooks, along with overseas players Imad Wasim, Chris

“We are sure that the Lucian public will come out in big numbers to support us as we push to make the playoffs and then go on and claim our first CPL title.

“We have a very strong team full of exciting young talent and experienced local and overseas players and we are well placed heading into the tournament.”

Kings’ bid will be led by the West Indies trio of Alzarri Joseph, Roston Chase and Johnson Charles, while South African star Faf du Plessis headlines the overseas players.

The CPL will run from August 16 to September 24 and also feature Guyana Amazon Warriors as the sixth team in the campaign.

Kitty/Campbellville Ravens registered the biggest win of the night after crushing Plaisance Guardians 74-40 in the penultimate clash on the night. Captain Dominic Vincent led from the front with 21 points inclusive of four three-pointers. Vincent was supported well from former Eagles player Shemar Huntley with 15 points and 10 points each from Tyrone Hamid and Jude Corlette.

Eagles won the feature match of the night 66-52 against the Bounty Colts. Eagles were led by Caribbean Champion Travis Belgrave who scored a game high 26 points. In fact, Belgrave’s 26 points, which included three 3-point field goals, is the best performance of the tournament thus far. Kwesi Thompson (10 points) was the only other Eagles player that reached double figures.

The tournament continues this Saturday with another tripleheader from 17:00hrs. The first match will feature Pacesetters

and Black Caimans. The second league game of the night bounces off at 19:00hrs all will allow Nets to match skills with Kobras. Meanwhile, the feature clash will see Sonics pitted against D-Up from 21:00hrs.

This One Guyana Basketball League features 14 teams grouped into the Harpy Eagle Conference and the Jaguar Con-

Jaguar Conference include Stabroek Eagles, Leonora D-UP Rising Stars, Cummingsburg Bounty Colts, Lamaha Park/Springs Pepsi Sonics, Bagotstown/Prospect Kobras, Cummings Lodge, and UG Trojans. Meanwhile, the Harpy Eagle Conference features teams including Kitty/Campbellville Ravens, South Ruimveldt Ravens, Plaisance Guardians,

ference, set to compete in a projected range of 56 to 63 games.

During the league, teams from the Jaguar and Harpy Eagle Conferences will face each other twice within their respective groups. The top four teams will progress to the playoffs, where the first-ranked team will compete against the fourth-ranked team, and the second-ranked team will take on the third-ranked team. The victors of these playoff matches will move on to the Conference Finals, where they will engage in a best-of-three series to determine the finalists for the National Championship.

Participating teams in the

Guyana Defence Force, Wortmanville/Werk-en-Rust Pacesetters, North Ruimveldt Caimans, and Kwakwani Untouchables. The championship-winning team will receive a prize of $1 million along with trophies, while the runners-up will be awarded $500,000 along with trophies. The successful execution of this tournament has been made possible through sponsorships from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, G-Boats Guyana, National Sports Commission, Guyana Basketball Federation, and Georgetown Basketball Federation.

New Jamaica Tallawahs captain Brandon King

Eagles Basketball team won their first match of the tournament

Tahir to captain Guyana Amazon Warriors, Shepherd is vice-captain

The Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) franchise has announced the appointment of Imran Tahir as captain and Romario Shepherd as vice-captain for the upcoming Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2023 season. The duo brings a wealth of experience, skills and leadership to the team and their dynamic partnership is expected to elevate the Warriors' performance on the field.

Tahir, the seasoned South African cricketer who is known for his electrifying leg-spin and exuberant celebrations, will take on the role of captaincy for the first time in his illustrious career. Tahir's extensive knowledge of the game and his ability to inspire and rally his teammates make him a natural choice to lead the Guyana Amazon Warriors. His aggressive approach, combined with his passion for the sport, is set to invigorate the team

and contribute to their pursuit of CPL glory.

"I am incredibly grateful and excited to lead the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the upcoming Republic Bank CPL season," Tahir commented.

"I believe in the talent and potential of this team, and together with Romario and our fantastic squad, we aim to deliver an exceptional performance on the field while representing the passionate cricket fans of Guyana,” he added.

Joining Tahir in a leadership role is Shepherd, a longstanding member of the Guyana Amazon Warriors family. Shepherd's all-round abilities as a fast bowler and aggressive lower-order batsman have earned him a reputation as one of the most promising talents in the region. As vice-captain, Shepherd will play a crucial role in supporting Tahir's captaincy and contributing his insights to the team's

strategic decisions.

"It's a privilege to be named vice-captain of the Guyana Amazon Warriors,"

Courtney Walsh to coach Guyana Amazon Warriors women’s team

THE Guyana Amazon Warriors franchise announce the appointment of cricketing legend Courtney Walsh as the Head Coach of their women’s team for the upcoming Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) 2023 season.

This exciting development marks a new chapter

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the Guyanese noted while adding, "I look forward to working closely with Imran and the entire squad to

achieve our collective goals and bring pride to our fans."

The Guyana Amazon Warriors franchise man -

agement expressed confidence in the leadership of the duo and their ability to guide the team to success.

Guyana Amazon Warriors appoints Leon Johnson as New Manager

League (CPL). Johnson brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for cricket to his new role, promising to lead the team with a unique and vibrant approach.

Guyana Amazon Warriors is thrilled to announce the appointment of Leon Johnson as its new Manager for the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier

Johnson, a former Test player and Guyana Amazon Warriors batsman has also captained the Guyana national team to six Regional First-Class titles, five of which were consecutively. Johnson is widely respected for his leadership skills, cricket acumen, and dedication to the sport. As a seasoned cricketer with a remarkable career, Johnson's insights and strategic vision are expected to contribute significantly to the success of the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

"We are delighted to welcome Leon

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Imran Tahir (left) and Romario Shepherd

Leon Johnson

Courtney Walsh to coach GAW women